Three members of the Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons died in a plane crash on Friday.
The victims included Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler.
Also killed were Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, the pilot Larry Haynie, and Haynie’s wife Melissa.
The crash occurred as the group was traveling to perform at the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska. The private plane went down north of Gillette, Wyoming. The Nelons were en route when the aircraft crashed, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
Kelly Nelon Clark’s younger daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane. Streetman and her husband were informed of the crash upon their arrival in Seattle. Gaither Music, the group’s management company, shared the news and asked for prayers for the affected families.
In a Facebook post, Gaither Music extended condolences and requested prayers for Autumn Nelon Streetman, her family, and the families of the other victims. The post also noted that Autumn and her husband would return home to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife Rhonda to handle the difficult tasks ahead.
Autumn Nelon Streetman expressed gratitude for the support and prayers on Instagram. She thanked well-wishers for their continued support as she, her husband Jamie, and their soon-to-be-born baby boy navigate this challenging time.
The crash led to a wildland fire, which was reported by Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins. Firefighters from the Campbell County Fire Department are working to control and suppress the blaze caused by the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that an autopilot issue during flight may have contributed to the incident. Further investigation will focus on documenting the crash site and examining the aircraft.
The Nelons were known for their contributions to gospel music, and the loss of these family members has deeply affected their fans and the broader music community. The group’s management and fans are mourning the tragic loss.
As the investigation continues, authorities will work to determine the exact cause of the crash. The focus will be on understanding the factors that led to the accident and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The tragic event has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion. The Nelons’ family and friends are left to cope with their loss, and the community comes together to support them during this difficult time.
